Friday, May 2, 2003

The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb told those gathered at the 16th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly that Christ's ministry has a new meaning in a changed world.

Raheb, the assembly's keynote speaker, said clergy and laypeople must work together to bring Christ's message of peace and acceptance into regions dominated by war and intolerance.

"Making Christ known in our world," he said, "is needed in this new century, in the United States and in the Middle East, as never before."

Raheb is the pastor of Evangelical Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank area of Israel and Palestine. A native of Bethlehem, Raheb is also the founder and general director of the International Center of Bethlehem, a community outreach program.

Raheb said at the assembly's second plenary that relations between Christians and Muslims have become strained through international conflict.

He said world healing must begin with "the powerful message of Christ." That healing must then be maintained, he said, by clear communication and understanding.

Raheb said although more people are learning English, that trend does not mean more people truly understand each other or their cultures any better.

"While the American media was talking about Operation: Iraqi Freedom, the Arab media was talking about Occupation: Iraqi Soil," he said. "These reports created enemies, not neighbors."

Raheb said while the problems are global, solutions can be found locally. In responding a question about how local congregations could help, Raheb said clergy and laypeople can show their support through prayers and by establishing more ministerial connections.

Raheb said people could also help by reminding President Bush that peace is needed in the Middle East.

"I hope the president is as serious about peace as he was about war," Raheb said, a statement that brought resounding applause from the crowded auditorium.

Raheb asked those in attendance to visit the International Center of Bethlehem online at www.annadwa.org The information is presented in English.

For more information on the assembly you can visit www.semnsynod.org

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